The majority of Americans oppose AI data centers in their neighborhoods
A recent Ipsos survey commissioned by Redfin found that 53% of U.S. residents oppose AI data center construction in their neighborhoods, citing concerns over resource strain, utility rate hikes, environmental impacts, and noise. This opposition is shaping public policy, exemplified by a recent statewide ban on large-scale data centers in New York.
A new survey commissioned by real estate brokerage Redfin and conducted by Ipsos reveals that a majority of U.S. residents, specifically 53%, oppose the construction of AI data centers in their immediate neighborhoods. Only 34% of the 4,000 U.S. adults surveyed in May 2026 expressed favor for such developments. The primary drivers of public resistance include heavy electricity and water consumption, potential utility rate increases, environmental impacts, and industrial noise pollution.
The study indicated that data centers face higher levels of community opposition compared to other types of development. For instance, only 39% opposed apartment complexes, 32% opposed mixed-use projects, and 48% opposed converting single-family homes into multi-unit housing. This growing local pushback has already begun to shape public policy, with New York State recently enacting a statewide ban on large-scale data centers.
Demographic analysis from the survey shows that opposition is most pronounced among older generations, with 65% of baby boomers and 60% of Generation X respondents opposing local data centers. In contrast, 43% of millennials and 42% of Generation Z share this view. Real estate professionals are noting that proximity to tech facilities is increasingly becoming a consideration for home buyers, who are concerned about aesthetics, utility strain, and the potential impact on property values.